MBA: MIT Admissions Chat (Nov. 19, 2001)

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Chat Transcript:

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:06:34 PM)
OK. Let's start

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:06:45 PM)
First I want to welcome you all to Accepted.com's MIT admissions chat.

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 9:07:06 PM)
Greetings and welcome, everyone.

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:07:21 PM)
I also want to welcome Rod Garcia, Director of MBA Admissions, Jon McLaughlin, a member of the admissions committee, Julia Abramovich, second year student and Chair of the Senate's Admissions Committee, and Elizabeth Fosnight, second-year student and Co-President of Sloan Women in Management. And last but not least, I want to welcome Paul Bodine and Cindy Tokumitsu, two of Accepted.com's editors. Julia and Elizabeth will be here shortly, as will Cindy.

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:07:30 PM)
Thanks to everyone for joining.

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:07:41 PM)
We encourage dialogue and discussion, but I would like to suggest a structure to make it easier to follow the threads of conversation. So here is the protocol:

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:07:50 PM)
Hi Elizabeth!

ElizabethSloan (ID=31) (Nov 19, 2001 9:08:02 PM)
Hi Linda!

MJ (ID=30) (Nov 19, 2001 9:08:06 PM)
? Hello Sirs, I would like to know how strict you are about the word limits. My cover letter is within two pages but is approximately 900 words. I am using 12 font size.

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:08:08 PM)
We will post material to the chat. If you have a question on that material, please type a "?" and then your question. I and/or other participants will reply. If one of you wants to comment on the current topic, please jump right in. If you want to start a different topic, please type "?".

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:08:21 PM)
Final request: We would like to avoid the brief summary of qualifications (or even the long laundry list) followed by the question, "Can I qualify?" Or "What are my chances?" This isn't the forum for that kind of analysis.

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:08:39 PM)
Other than that limitation, this is your chance to ask questions about Sloan's program and admissions policies. But I would like to take advantage of my position as host and ask the first questions.

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:09:12 PM)
You significantly changed your essay questions this year. Why?

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:09:45 PM)
BTW, if any of you want to change your icons, you can do so by clicking on the Settings button.

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 9:09:50 PM)
MJ—we are not overly strict about word limits but we are relying on your common sense and courtesy here. If you can't say what you need to say somewhat within our guidelines that is a bit of a negative. It is not, though, an "obey the rules" contest.

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 9:10:10 PM)
We have been using the same essay questions for several years now and we want to try something new. We also want to give our applicants the chance to tell us their story and our old essays did not seem to encourage that response.

MJ (ID=30) (Nov 19, 2001 9:10:52 PM)
? May I ask another question, Linda?

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:11:00 PM)
Sure go ahead.

candidate02 (ID=28) (Nov 19, 2001 9:11:06 PM)
??

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:11:21 PM)
OK. Let's open the floor. I'll interject questions as we go.

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 9:11:34 PM)
MJ, go ahead and ask your question.

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:12:05 PM)
Candidate, you can also post your question.

Flavia (ID=18) (Nov 19, 2001 9:12:06 PM)
?I have already got a MBA. Does it affect negatively my acceptance of Sloan? If so, what should I do?

MJ (ID=30) (Nov 19, 2001 9:12:09 PM)
? Question two concerns diversity. You begin the question by mentioning the different nation from which your students hail. I have a unique personal experience which has motivated me to pursue everything I have in my life. Can I discuss that in this question?

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:13:21 PM)
Question 2 is "2. Sloan is a very diverse place with over 60 countries represented. What will you bring to this diverse community? What do you expect to gain from the environment? "

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 9:13:24 PM)
MJ-of course, I'm not sure this is the forum to provide a truly detailed answer, but we'll do our best.

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 9:13:47 PM)
Flavia, having an MBA will not negatively affect your chances. However you should be aware that Sloan does not give credit for work done outside of MIT, so you will have to repeat some of the courses you have already taken. Additionally you cannot waive out of courses at Sloan.

candidate02 (ID=28) (Nov 19, 2001 9:13:49 PM)
Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. I have two questions: 1. What is the maximum number of recommendations that an applicant can submit? 2 or 3?

oscar (ID=12) (Nov 19, 2001 9:14:13 PM)
?will the current situation (like MC and IB not recruiting as in the past) will have an influence on the selection? for example, will you be less likely to admit people looking for MC or IB as a career? will, on the other hand, you be more likely to accept less traditional candidates as entrepreneurs who will not likely be looking for jobs but to start their own companies?

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 9:14:26 PM)
MJ—sorry, the answer is of course you should, we want to hear about your experiences and what brought you to this point.

Flavia (ID=18) (Nov 19, 2001 9:14:28 PM)
Thanks, Rod.

yie jia (ID=33) (Nov 19, 2001 9:14:42 PM)
? This may not affect MIT at all, but how was the on campus recruiting this year, do you see in any way it is affected by the weak economy?

candidate02 (ID=28) (Nov 19, 2001 9:14:46 PM)
Sorry, my first question was:

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 9:14:58 PM)
CO2—1. We ask for two recommendations. 2nd question

MJ (ID=30) (Nov 19, 2001 9:15:05 PM)
? Thank you. Should we provide a list in the Supplemental Information section, or should we write a narrative for each of the five points?

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:15:27 PM)
Jon, would it be more appropriate to discuss that experience in the supplemental section and more directly address diversity in #2, assuming that Candidate's experience does not reflect directly on diversity?

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 9:15:40 PM)
Oscar, I'll answer your question shortly.

candidate02 (ID=28) (Nov 19, 2001 9:15:51 PM)
Can an applicant submit a third optional recommendation?

smhk (ID=16) (Nov 19, 2001 9:16:07 PM)
?The application asks the cover letter to conform to "standards of business correspondence". How do we interpret this? Is the letter to be in a serious, impersonal tone or are you looking for 'business formatting' ...

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:16:16 PM)
Let's hold the questions for a moment.

DANOMITE (ID=35) (Nov 19, 2001 9:16:20 PM)
I have some questions about the evaluation of an applicant's GPA for Rod and Jon. How do you evaluate a candidate's grades/GPA? Do you weight performance in each year equally or do you focus on the latter years? What about classes in and out of majors?

ElizabethSloan (ID=31) (Nov 19, 2001 9:16:23 PM)
Yie Jia - as a second year who is going through recruiting this fall, yes — we did have fewer companies in IB and MC recruiting on campus, but our Career Development Office (CDO) has worked hard to bring smaller companies that did not previously recruit to campus.

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 9:16:48 PM)
Co2/Linda—yes, it is probably more appropriate in supplemental if it does not directly answer the question, I can easily imagine a personal experience answering that question however, it all depends on how the case is made

yie jia (ID=33) (Nov 19, 2001 9:17:16 PM)
Thank you, Eli, May be two years down the road, it will turn around.

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 9:17:44 PM)
Oscar: the short answer is it will not affect our selection. If any I think the people who are interested in going to IB or MC are the ones who are seriously interested in working in those industries.

Margareth (ID=15) (Nov 19, 2001 9:18:06 PM)
? Elizabeth, I would like to know more about the SWIM group — how does it influence and contributes to the MBA program, or is it a separate initiative?

candidate02 (ID=28) (Nov 19, 2001 9:18:18 PM)
Thank you, Jon. Is it Ok to get one recommendation from a professor, with whom I have maintained strong relationship and who can comment on my extracurricular/community activities and academic ability?

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 9:18:36 PM)
smhk—we look at the cover letter as the "tying together" of your application. It should highlight the strong points and give us an idea of who you are and why you want us, and it shouldn't be a repeat of your essays. Although this may not be literally true, it should probably be the last thing you write and the first thing we read.

oscar (ID=12) (Nov 19, 2001 9:19:01 PM)
Thanks for the answer, Rod.

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 9:19:47 PM)
Yie Jia: The number of traditional companies recruiting on campus is down this year (I don't have the numbers right now). But there are new companies/industries coming to campus this year as well.

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:19:50 PM)
How do you evaluate re-applicants? Do you have their old file on hand when you review the current application?

ElizabethSloan (ID=31) (Nov 19, 2001 9:19:50 PM)
SWIM (Sloan Women in Management) is a group with "club" status at Sloan. We provide both professional networking activities as well as community building/social forums for the women in the program. Today we had a faculty/staff lunch with female members of Sloan faculty and the MBA program

yie jia (ID=33) (Nov 19, 2001 9:20:02 PM)
? After talked to the students and admission officer at Sloan, I think the self-managed track fits me very well. It gives me the maximum flexibility and great exposure but does it sound too uncertain to the admission office?

Margareth (ID=15) (Nov 19, 2001 9:20:49 PM)
Thanks, Elizabeth.

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:20:57 PM)
Danomite, can you repost your question.

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 9:21:09 PM)
Danomite—GPA is evaluated in the context of the entire application. Someone who had substantially improved marks each year would be wise to highlight that, someone who did the best in the hardest courses would be wise to highlight that, but we are pretty aware of what goes into undergrad transcripts and really do try to see it in context.

Mike24 (ID=39) (Nov 19, 2001 9:21:10 PM)
Have the September'11 incidents seen any change in the number of international applicants?

smhk (ID=16) (Nov 19, 2001 9:21:42 PM)
Thanks Jon.

yie jia (ID=33) (Nov 19, 2001 9:22:09 PM)
Thanks Rod

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:22:23 PM)
Elizabeth, why did you choose MIT?

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 9:22:55 PM)
yie jia—as to the self managed track, we don't think it sounds uncertain to really want a program tailored to your needs. We will ask, though, what is her goal? Does it make sense? Is it achievable given her experience, inclinations?

ElizabethSloan (ID=31) (Nov 19, 2001 9:23:31 PM)
For me it was the following: Smaller class size, opportunities with technology, and geography. Additionally, I visited the school and was pleased with the down-to-earth attitude of the students I met there.

yie jia (ID=33) (Nov 19, 2001 9:23:31 PM)
It makes a lot sense. Jon

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 9:23:34 PM)
Linda: we will look at re-applicants with a clean slate (as we always do) even though we have both the old and new files. The first (and obvious) question that comes to mind is what's new this year? So it is important for re-applicants to address that question up front. We also ask re-applicants to apply during the first round and there is a good reason for that — we want to read re-applicants first so that space does not become a constraint if they turn out to be excellent candidates.

DANOMITE (ID=35) (Nov 19, 2001 9:24:12 PM)
Thanks, Jon. I guess I'm wondering it is wise to address a sub par year if my GPA is only slightly below the Sloan average.

MJ (ID=30) (Nov 19, 2001 9:24:30 PM)
? Is it okay to say that you wish to pursue the Self-Managed Track because it would allow you to combine the coursework from two other tracks?

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:24:30 PM)
Do you resent it or appreciate it when applicants who are wait-listed, write and say "I have heard from School X and have to respond to them by Date Y. Is there any possibility you could give me an answer before Date Y. I would prefer to attend your school."

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 9:25:07 PM)
Mike24: we don't know what the volume will be for this year. Our first deadline is later this month and we will know what will happen then. As always we expect the number of international applications to be high.

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 9:25:15 PM)
Danomite—look at the whole picture you present before you spend undue time on any one part

Mike24 (ID=39) (Nov 19, 2001 9:25:23 PM)
Thanks Rod!

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 9:25:32 PM)
mj—absolutely, that makes perfect sense

MJ (ID=30) (Nov 19, 2001 9:26:19 PM)
I am sorry Mr. M. Are you answering my "Self" question or my Supplemental Info question?

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:26:37 PM)
C02 asked above if it is acceptable to submit a 3rd recommendation and if it is positive to ask a prof for a recommendation.

candidate02 (ID=28) (Nov 19, 2001 9:26:51 PM)
Thanks Linda!

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 9:27:09 PM)
mj—I was answering your self managed question

Flavia (ID=18) (Nov 19, 2001 9:27:14 PM)
?I want to tell more in the supplemental questions. Usually how many words answers those should be.

MJ (ID=30) (Nov 19, 2001 9:27:27 PM)
Thank you.

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 9:28:12 PM)
Linda: We'll try to accommodate applicants as much as we can but one reason why we hold our decision until the final week is that we often change our mind. I have on several instances upgraded decisions.

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:28:18 PM)
Elizabeth, has Sloan met or exceeded your expectations? and where?

environmba (ID=36) (Nov 19, 2001 9:28:23 PM)
? - Has Sloan got any MBA programs in EHS&S. If not, are you planning to introduce something similar in near future?

scooter (ID=37) (Nov 19, 2001 9:28:33 PM)
Elizabeth — what kind of opportunities are there at Sloan outside of class time?

MJ (ID=30) (Nov 19, 2001 9:28:46 PM)
? Could one of you provide any suggestions about the Supp Info section? That is, narrative vs. list vs. combination of both?

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:28:51 PM)
Thanks, Rod.

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 9:28:54 PM)
Flavia: most applicants take one to two pages to cover their supplemental information.

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:29:09 PM)
Rod, that's total, right?

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 9:29:09 PM)
environmba—this may inadvertently answer your question, but what is EHS&S

oscar (ID=12) (Nov 19, 2001 9:29:26 PM)
? Is it possible to answer 3 essay questions (1, 2 and 4) if you believe that it will add value, or one should strictly select only 2?

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 9:29:36 PM)
MJ: most applicants use narrative but some do list their accomplishments.

environmba (ID=36) (Nov 19, 2001 9:29:52 PM)
Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability

MJ (ID=30) (Nov 19, 2001 9:29:53 PM)
Thank you.

ElizabethSloan (ID=31) (Nov 19, 2001 9:30:01 PM)
On an interpersonal level, Sloan has exceeded my expectations and I am really impressed with my peer group. My expectations have been met in my classes, with a few exceptions that are above and beyond. I am also very happy with the school/life balance I feel is encouraged at Sloan

yie jia (ID=33) (Nov 19, 2001 9:30:15 PM)
?How is the relations between Sloan and other MIT engineering departments? Are people trying to convert the lab ideas into real products or are Sloan students too busy on their own study?

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:30:24 PM)
Elizabeth, has it fallen short in any areas? If so, where?

DANOMITE (ID=35) (Nov 19, 2001 9:30:44 PM)
Rod/Jon - GMAT quant score aside, how does the admissions committee evaluate or perceive the applicant who was a liberal arts major and took no quant classes as an undergrad because they placed out with AP credit in math and science? Is this lack of quant experience considered a negative?

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 9:31:14 PM)
environmba—we have people who are interested in those issues, and many constellate around the technology and policy program, but I don't think we have anything structural to support it. Someone who wanted to be here and deal with those issues would have to be very self -directed.

Mike24 (ID=39) (Nov 19, 2001 9:31:17 PM)
Would it help if an applicant who doesn't have great undergrad GPA results took-up a part-time Masters degree?

ElizabethSloan (ID=31) (Nov 19, 2001 9:31:40 PM)
As for activities, Scooter, I am active in several clubs (SWIM, MediaTech, and Management consulting), I help with the ambassador program (recommended to those applying) and the MIT Sloan e-Business awards — like the academy awards of e-business (www.mitawards.org)

smhk (ID=16) (Nov 19, 2001 9:31:42 PM)
?Unlike other schools, MIT has only two rounds and the time lag between the two is about 2 months. Do you look at applications that reach you sometime between these rounds or they will have to wait for the second round?

MJ (ID=30) (Nov 19, 2001 9:31:56 PM)
? Does having a graduate school degree (Masters in Eng) make a difference?

environmba (ID=36) (Nov 19, 2001 9:32:00 PM)
Jon-Thanks

DKOOYMAN (ID=43) (Nov 19, 2001 9:32:08 PM)
BTW MIT has the best online app site

ElizabethSloan (ID=31) (Nov 19, 2001 9:32:41 PM)
Linda - I would like to see Sloan leverage more opportunities for international recruiting, especially given our student body.

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 9:32:49 PM)
Danomite—What you described is not a negative at all, we would simply want to see a recognition that you understand the academic demands, and would benefit from the Sloan approach to problems, which does involve quantitative skills in many cases.

Flavia (ID=18) (Nov 19, 2001 9:33:07 PM)
I agree with you, DKOOYMAN.

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:33:07 PM)
Elizabeth, were you an int'l applicant?

DANOMITE (ID=35) (Nov 19, 2001 9:33:16 PM)
Jon - thanks.

yie jia (ID=33) (Nov 19, 2001 9:33:17 PM)
I think it is fair too say that MIT's application is the most straight forward one. Only a couple page of forms ;)

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 9:33:31 PM)
DK/Flavia—Flattery will get you everywhere

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 9:33:54 PM)
Oscar: It really is not necessary to respond to more than the required two essay questions. At some point, the Admissions Committee has to decide whether the applicant is worthy (or not worthy) of being admitted. Once you have made that decision, a third or even 8th essay question will not change the decision.

ElizabethSloan (ID=31) (Nov 19, 2001 9:33:58 PM)
No, I am not an international student, but worked overseas before coming to Sloan and did my summer internship in Europe

smhk (ID=16) (Nov 19, 2001 9:34:06 PM)
?Elizabeth - Could you describe briefly what the club MediaTech is all about? Also if there are any electives that are about MediaTech.

sloan1 (ID=32) (Nov 19, 2001 9:34:08 PM)
Who are the professors with whom a 2nd-year student can work on a research project in VC/Private equity area?

Ulan (ID=45) (Nov 19, 2001 9:34:21 PM)
Hi everybody!

DKOOYMAN (ID=43) (Nov 19, 2001 9:34:26 PM)
?Do you interview all admits?

MJ (ID=30) (Nov 19, 2001 9:35:12 PM)
? Linda, will a transcript of this essay be available online within the next couple of days?

DKOOYMAN (ID=43) (Nov 19, 2001 9:35:20 PM)
I think the essays are good but it's hard to beat talking to a person one on one IMHO

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:35:32 PM)
MJ, it will probably take about a week, but it will be posted.

Margareth (ID=15) (Nov 19, 2001 9:35:44 PM)
Community services is a practice that is becoming more popular in South America, but it's not as common as in some countries. Is it a great disadvantage not to have performed this type of activity?

ElizabethSloan (ID=31) (Nov 19, 2001 9:35:46 PM)
smhk - Media Tech is the largest club at Sloan and is responsible for bringing a variety of technology focused speakers to campus. Additionally, they are the organizers of the Silicon Valley Tech Trek in January where students meet with companies and network out in CA

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 9:36:07 PM)
smhk—we put applications after the round one deadline into round two, but we don't perceive an advantage to either round

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 9:36:13 PM)
Mike24: it helps especially if you take classes/courses that would prepare you for your two year of MBA studies. But you also have to show good grades.

Mike24 (ID=39) (Nov 19, 2001 9:36:27 PM)
Do you expect the Sloan's median GMAT score to rise again this year?

Mike24 (ID=39) (Nov 19, 2001 9:36:33 PM)
Thanks Rod!

DANOMITE (ID=35) (Nov 19, 2001 9:36:42 PM)
Speaking of academic demands... I've read that Sloan has tried to respond to student concerns about the hefty workload, especially in the first semester. A friend of mine is a Sloan '03 and he said it's still pretty overwhelming. Any thoughts on this (Elizabeth/Rod/Jon)?

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:36:57 PM)
Let's hold the questions for a minute and let them catch up.

AV (ID=38) (Nov 19, 2001 9:37:29 PM)
Rod/Jon - Do you select/admit applicants with a prior graduate degree in a management related area — not an MBA though?

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 9:37:52 PM)
Linda—thanks

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 9:38:39 PM)
dkyooman: yes (and we also interview candidates who do not get admitted).

ElizabethSloan (ID=31) (Nov 19, 2001 9:38:47 PM)
I found my core semester to be challenging - but "doable" and was able to take the marketing elective as well as the traditional core. There is a team project this year that was for the '01 class and now '03s, but skipped us. I guess the thing about the core is that it's tough, but everyone goes through it together and it really helps you understand how teamwork is essential at Sloan

Ulan (ID=45) (Nov 19, 2001 9:39:17 PM)
? Linda, how long will this chat last?

DKOOYMAN (ID=43) (Nov 19, 2001 9:39:23 PM)
?When do you start sched. interview for admit hopefuls

smhk (ID=16) (Nov 19, 2001 9:39:37 PM)
Thanks Elizabeth and Jon. So space is not a big problem in the second round?

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:39:41 PM)
Probably until 7:00 PM, unless our guests are willing to extend, and it's pretty late on the East Coast.

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 9:39:55 PM)
AV—We certainly have, but it all depends on how the applicant makes their case. Degree hunting is not a positive, but if an MBA can help....

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 9:40:07 PM)
dkooyman: I agree (about talking to a person one-on-one) which is why we will interview more than 30% of the applicant pool.

yie jia (ID=33) (Nov 19, 2001 9:40:18 PM)
? Is the digital business strategy track a fairly new track? What is the response from the students? Is it getting popular recently?

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 9:40:30 PM)
Linda: let's extend it for another hour.

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:40:37 PM)
OK.

Ulan (ID=45) (Nov 19, 2001 9:40:42 PM)
? Linda, what time is it now? Here it is 7-30 a/m

MJ (ID=30) (Nov 19, 2001 9:40:45 PM)
Thank you

DKOOYMAN (ID=43) (Nov 19, 2001 9:40:52 PM)
thanks Rod

MJ (ID=30) (Nov 19, 2001 9:40:57 PM)
...for the extension

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:40:57 PM)
I'm in LA. It is 6:35 PM.

AV (ID=38) (Nov 19, 2001 9:41:08 PM)
Thank you Jon

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 9:41:21 PM)
Margareth: we will reward you for having community service experience but we will not punish you for not having it.

Flavia (ID=18) (Nov 19, 2001 9:41:56 PM)
10:34 am

Ulan (ID=45) (Nov 19, 2001 9:42:01 PM)
Rod, what should I do if our university doesn't use GPA and student ranking?

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 9:42:16 PM)
yie jia—digital business was renamed from e-business to reflect current concerns and interests, although the track is a relatively new one the response has been excellent

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 9:42:22 PM)
dkooyman: we will start interviewing in January. Notices will be sent beginning mid- to late December through the decision week.

DKOOYMAN (ID=43) (Nov 19, 2001 9:42:31 PM)
I'll be in NYC in Dec. I'd be happy to drop swing up to Cambridge

sloan1 (ID=32) (Nov 19, 2001 9:42:41 PM)
What is the % of graduates who went to VC/Private equity at Sloan last year? Could Eliz or someone else talk about Venture Capital/Private Equity related activities on campus other than what can be found on the Sloan website (e.g. 50K Club)?

yie jia (ID=33) (Nov 19, 2001 9:42:44 PM)
Interesting, thanks Jon

DKOOYMAN (ID=43) (Nov 19, 2001 9:42:47 PM)
lol

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 9:43:09 PM)
Ulan: do not convert your marks to US GPA (or it will hurt you).

DANOMITE (ID=35) (Nov 19, 2001 9:43:23 PM)
Re: interviews - I will be out of the country for three weeks for my honeymoon in December and January, during which I may get contacted for an interview. Do you recommend letting the admissions committee know somehow that I will be away during this time?

oscar (ID=12) (Nov 19, 2001 9:44:04 PM)
? Let's say that there two identical individuals, same scores, academics, credentials, quality on essays, etc. But one is from a country with a large pool of applicants, as India, and the other is someone from a country with very very few applicants, let's say Cameroon. If you had only one spot left, will you be more likely to choose the Indian because you know they are good, on the Cameroonian because will add diversity?

Ulan (ID=45) (Nov 19, 2001 9:44:10 PM)
?Rod, you mean, I can calculate my GPA and it might be 4,5 or smth?

DANOMITE (ID=35) (Nov 19, 2001 9:44:11 PM)
Australia! Can't wait!!

Margareth (ID=15) (Nov 19, 2001 9:44:25 PM)
Thanks Mr. Garcia

DKOOYMAN (ID=43) (Nov 19, 2001 9:44:33 PM)
?Could you explain a little more about the option to take classes out of the Sloan School

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 9:44:42 PM)
Oscar—there is no such thing as two identical individuals with identical essays.

ElizabethSloan (ID=31) (Nov 19, 2001 9:44:48 PM)
sloan1 - I don't know much on this area, but, there is a VC club and they often bring speakers to campus and there is also a VC conference coming up...

candidate02 (ID=28) (Nov 19, 2001 9:44:53 PM)
??Jon/Rod, is it OK to submit one academic recommendation? can you also submit a third optional recommendation?

Mike24 (ID=39) (Nov 19, 2001 9:45:38 PM)
Most top American MBAs (including Sloan) are seeing older candidates. Your average work experience last year was 4.9. What are the qualities that would most influence your decision to accept someone with say 3 years of work experience.

ElizabethSloan (ID=31) (Nov 19, 2001 9:46:00 PM)
You can cross -register to take HBS classes and often students from HBS take classes at Sloan

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 9:46:16 PM)
Danomite: congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Worry about that first and worry about your application later. Although we will interview in several locations, you can interview in Cambridge, MA until early February. Good luck with your upcoming wedding.

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 9:46:24 PM)
can02—it is ok to submit an academic rec depending on context. If you have been out of school for 8 years I would wonder about it, also, if the professor just says "you got As" that is not very helpful. We can't guarantee we will read more than two. If you submit one, just make sure its vital.

candidate02 (ID=28) (Nov 19, 2001 9:46:57 PM)
Thanks, Jon!

DANOMITE (ID=35) (Nov 19, 2001 9:46:59 PM)
Thanks Rod!

MJ (ID=30) (Nov 19, 2001 9:47:11 PM)
Some Info: I attended a seminar for MIT alums in Atlanta where Dean S mentioned the enormous push at MIT toward accepting students with 2 or fewer years of experience.

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 9:47:23 PM)
Ulan: please do not convert your foreign mark to US GPA. Just tell us your average marks without converting it to US GPA.

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 9:47:32 PM)
mike24—quality of the experience and potential for growth.

Ulan (ID=45) (Nov 19, 2001 9:47:53 PM)
Thanks Rod

howardL (ID=42) (Nov 19, 2001 9:48:05 PM)
Hi, Jon, I was in a graduate research project, and I asked my advisor to write me a letter of reference. Will this be considered academic reference or work-related? We published a paper together and I was paid as a research assistant.

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 9:48:39 PM)
Candidate02: you can submit a third optional rec.

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 9:48:39 PM)
Howardl—I would consider it an academic rec.

yie jia (ID=33) (Nov 19, 2001 9:48:52 PM)
? Rod, Graduate GPA and Undergraduate GPA, which one do you pay more attention to? I am concerned because my undergraduate is a rather small portion of my education background and it is incomplete.

DKOOYMAN (ID=43) (Nov 19, 2001 9:49:12 PM)
?Are any classes half-term in length or strictly full term?

Mike24 (ID=39) (Nov 19, 2001 9:49:18 PM)
Thanks Jon!

Ulan (ID=45) (Nov 19, 2001 9:49:23 PM)
?is the number of applicants much higher this year?

howardL (ID=42) (Nov 19, 2001 9:49:27 PM)
Thanks. Jon.

sloan1 (ID=32) (Nov 19, 2001 9:49:32 PM)
What are the interactions with the rest of MIT communities (e.g. engineering school) other than the $50K Competition

ElizabethSloan (ID=31) (Nov 19, 2001 9:49:47 PM)
there are many half term classes - both in the first and second halves on the semester

smhk (ID=16) (Nov 19, 2001 9:49:54 PM)
?Is a 3 year degree from India acceptable? Along with a one year Post Graduate diploma.

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:50:01 PM)
Welcome Julia!

ElizabethSloan (ID=31) (Nov 19, 2001 9:50:01 PM)
Hi Julia!

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 9:50:05 PM)
Ulan—we won't know until just after the deadline, about 80% of applications come in within a day of it

julia_sloan02 (ID=47) (Nov 19, 2001 9:50:14 PM)
Hello all

candidate02 (ID=28) (Nov 19, 2001 9:50:17 PM)
Thanks Rod!

julia_sloan02 (ID=47) (Nov 19, 2001 9:50:20 PM)
sorry for joining late

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:50:27 PM)
Glad you can make it.

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 9:50:30 PM)
Another second-year student, Julia Abramovich, has just joined us.

Ulan (ID=45) (Nov 19, 2001 9:50:45 PM)
thanks, Jon.

Ulan (ID=45) (Nov 19, 2001 9:51:09 PM)
Hi Julia, what country are u from?

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:51:09 PM)
Julia is Chair of the Senate's Admissions Committee and a TA, as is Elizabeth.

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 9:51:14 PM)
all—hang on just a bit till we get caught up

DKOOYMAN (ID=43) (Nov 19, 2001 9:51:34 PM)
Thanks Elizabeth, Can you also tell me which professors receive the highest raves from students

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 9:52:27 PM)
smhk: the answer is yes!

julia_sloan02 (ID=47) (Nov 19, 2001 9:52:34 PM)
Regarding the interactions with MIT community questions

AV (ID=38) (Nov 19, 2001 9:52:57 PM)
Rod/Jon - Do you accept candidates with 8 - 9 years of experience? Is age (30 -31) a significant disadvantage in the application process?

howardL (ID=42) (Nov 19, 2001 9:53:03 PM)
?I didn't have UG micro-/MACRO economics courses. How bad will this deficiency affect my application? I had a science major from a Chinese Univ. These courses were not offered when I was in UG.

smhk (ID=16) (Nov 19, 2001 9:53:08 PM)
Thanks Rod.

julia_sloan02 (ID=47) (Nov 19, 2001 9:53:15 PM)
It's really as much time as you can invest, the opportunities are vast

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 9:53:16 PM)
AV—Yes, and no

Flavia (ID=18) (Nov 19, 2001 9:53:53 PM)
?what role does Sloan's interview play in the admission process of Sloan? What qualities does Sloan evaluate in the interview?

ElizabethSloan (ID=31) (Nov 19, 2001 9:54:00 PM)
well, that is always a matter of opinion - and all our professors are quite good. My favorites from the core are Perakis for DMD, Frankel for acctng, and Stoker for Econ. Since then, I have also liked Orlikowski (IT), Locke (International entrepreneurship), Rigobon (Macro Econ)

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 9:54:01 PM)
howard l—It shouldn't matter as long as your application indicates an affinity and aptitude for what we teach.

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 9:54:34 PM)
HowardL: it will not negatively affect your application. Depending on your grades and scores, we may require you to attend summer classes or simply read a textbook.

howardL (ID=42) (Nov 19, 2001 9:54:39 PM)
Thanks. I definitely will demonstrate the affinity -:) in my essays.

DKOOYMAN (ID=43) (Nov 19, 2001 9:55:12 PM)
thanks

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:55:15 PM)
Jon, could you go in to a little more detail about the impact of 8-9 years of experience on the application process.

sloan1 (ID=32) (Nov 19, 2001 9:55:29 PM)
What is the % of 2nd-Yr MBA students who work as a TA? Can some 1st-Yr student work as a TA as well?

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 9:55:38 PM)
Flavia—the interview is a critical factor in the evaluation of the "final" pool, but not the only one. There are a lot of qualities that we may be looking for, and they will differ from candidate to candidate. You can't go too far wrong by being yourself, and knowing why an MBA will help you

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:55:41 PM)
Julia, when you were choosing business schools, why did you choose Sloan?

Ulan (ID=45) (Nov 19, 2001 9:55:50 PM)
?Rod, may my recommender send his recommendation directly to MIT, since he is on the other side of the globe?

Mike24 (ID=39) (Nov 19, 2001 9:55:57 PM)
On average, how much time do you spend reading each application? What do you look at first — the essays or other parts of the applications?

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:56:04 PM)
Let's hold the questions again for a couple of minutes.

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 9:56:37 PM)
Linda/8-9years — I think we would certainly look for more focus than someone who has only 2 years or so, you would have to convince us that the MBA is a vital step for the future, not a remedial correction

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:56:53 PM)
Jon, Thanks.

julia_sloan02 (ID=47) (Nov 19, 2001 9:56:54 PM)
You can TA your 2nd semester as a first year. Second years are more common as TAs. Don't have the exact numbers off hand, but some classes are more competitive (to get TAships) than others

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 9:57:02 PM)
Ulan: your recommender can send it to us but it would be better if it was sent to you.

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 9:57:04 PM)
Ulan—Yes, that's fine

julia_sloan02 (ID=47) (Nov 19, 2001 9:57:08 PM)
Linda,

ElizabethSloan (ID=31) (Nov 19, 2001 9:57:16 PM)
sloan1 - there are some opportunities for TAing in the second semester of your first year (some undergrad classes), but there are many opportunities in your second year you get money towards tuition and a stipend

julia_sloan02 (ID=47) (Nov 19, 2001 9:57:24 PM)
Sloan was my 1st choice for several reasons:

Ulan (ID=45) (Nov 19, 2001 9:58:02 PM)
Linda, you should design a red lamp on the top of this page which will flash when we should hold on for questions... :-)))

julia_sloan02 (ID=47) (Nov 19, 2001 9:58:07 PM)
mix of case and lecture, culture, technology focus and innovation and the people I met here (sorry to keep hitting "enter" by mistake)

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 9:58:25 PM)
Red light, green light.

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 9:58:40 PM)
Mike 24—it varies from reader to reader who looks at what first. I would say each reader ( and there will be as many as 4) will spend from 10 minutes to half an hour on the application, depending on when it is read in the process.

DKOOYMAN (ID=43) (Nov 19, 2001 9:59:48 PM)
?How successful was last summers placement for internships? Any outlook for Sum 2002?

DANOMITE (ID=35) (Nov 19, 2001 9:59:49 PM)
? Are applicants for Round 1 only admitted or rejected, or is their a hold-over process to Round 2?

DANOMITE (ID=35) (Nov 19, 2001 10:00:01 PM)
there

Mike24 (ID=39) (Nov 19, 2001 10:00:09 PM)
Thanks Jon! Would each of these four readers read all parts of the application?

howardL (ID=42) (Nov 19, 2001 10:00:21 PM)
Hi, Jon, I had six years of work experiences, and two master's degrees (in science). Will this sound a lack of focus or remedial correction?

Ulan (ID=45) (Nov 19, 2001 10:00:54 PM)
? Do you evaluate applicant' s choice of essay questions, or it doesn't matter for adcom?

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 10:01:04 PM)
Danomite: only waitlisted candidates (from the first round) will be reviewed again for the second round. Once an application is denied, it will not be reviewed again for the same year.

oscar (ID=12) (Nov 19, 2001 10:01:07 PM)
? Guess my "nationality" question was not politically correct... onto the next: What influence will it have on the application NOT to have visited the campus? Do you keep a record that you check during the evaluation? Is it more acceptable if the candidate is international? Should this be clarified on the suppl essay?

DKOOYMAN (ID=43) (Nov 19, 2001 10:01:12 PM)
?Can any current students describe housing options esp for married students

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 10:01:39 PM)
Mike 24 — yes, but again, it depends. At least one person will read the whole package incredibly thoroughly — you'd be surprised — and then refer other readers to specific sections, but we always have the option to reexamine the whole file.

julia_sloan02 (ID=47) (Nov 19, 2001 10:01:48 PM)
DKOOYMAN: Over 95% of 1st years had summer internships by last May when classes ended. Top consulting and banking was competitive (as it is every year), but there were many jobs out there. People have concerns about this summer, but I think everyone will find a job in the spring

DANOMITE (ID=35) (Nov 19, 2001 10:02:03 PM)
Thanks Rod.

Mike24 (ID=39) (Nov 19, 2001 10:02:13 PM)
Thanks Jon that helps very much.

sloan1 (ID=32) (Nov 19, 2001 10:02:31 PM)
How do you define the culture at Sloan? What roles do technology, quant skills and diversity play in your culture?

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 10:02:32 PM)
howardl — it all depends on how you make your case. Why this MBA, why now? What do you want to do? At the end of the day it all comes down to that.

DKOOYMAN (ID=43) (Nov 19, 2001 10:03:01 PM)
Julia, That's encouraging. Good luck to you by the way

howardL (ID=42) (Nov 19, 2001 10:03:02 PM)
Thanks Jon. I'll address that in the cover letter.

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 10:03:04 PM)
Ulan: it doesn't matter. Choose the essay topic that you are most comfortable responding. Our application is straightforward and we do not use trick questions.

julia_sloan02 (ID=47) (Nov 19, 2001 10:03:13 PM)
DKOOYMAN: there are various options for married students, on and off-campus

yie jia (ID=33) (Nov 19, 2001 10:03:34 PM)
? It is great that the relatively smaller class size for a learning experience but do you see any impact due to the relatively smaller student body at MIT in terms of alumni networking after graduation? Thanks

ElizabethSloan (ID=31) (Nov 19, 2001 10:04:58 PM)
Sloan's culture is definitely more laid back than the other b-schools I visited. Technology is more evident than other schools, but not overwhelming. I am less quant than others, and still survived. Overall, it's a great place to be.

julia_sloan02 (ID=47) (Nov 19, 2001 10:05:33 PM)
sloan1: the culture in exactly what I was hoping to find here. People are VERY smart, innovative, and ambitious. It is not an overly competitive environment where innovation and technology is an underlying foundation for a lot of initiatives

Ulan (ID=45) (Nov 19, 2001 10:05:37 PM)
? Is it or will it be a big problem for international students, especially from Central Asia, to get a job visa to work in the USA after b-school?

sloan1 (ID=32) (Nov 19, 2001 10:05:50 PM)
I have also asked about VC/private equity activities and placement # last year. Could someone answer them if possible, please.

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 10:05:55 PM)
Dkooyman—our two front desk people, Rosana and Lisa, are both married to Sloanies and in Grad married housing.

DANOMITE (ID=35) (Nov 19, 2001 10:06:08 PM)
? What schools does Sloan compete with most directly for students and why? Is it based on focus (tech), geography, rankings?

Mike24 (ID=39) (Nov 19, 2001 10:06:24 PM)
How would you evaluate an international applicant's Verbal GMAT scores? Would you look at it in combination with his/her AWA scores?

DKOOYMAN (ID=43) (Nov 19, 2001 10:06:53 PM)
Yie jia, but isn't a larger class size a double edge sword? Sloan's size is one of the factors that makes it attractive to me

smhk (ID=16) (Nov 19, 2001 10:06:56 PM)
?How often do you get guest lecturers like a CEO of a Fortune 500? Do they come from various fields or mainly technology? Did Jack Welch ever speak there?:-)

MJ (ID=30) (Nov 19, 2001 10:07:00 PM)
? Sloan's website stresses to the applicant the significance of making an impact with the cover letter. It appears as if we are asked to "sell" ourselves or highlight the salient areas of our candidacy. To what extent should we sound "arrogant?"

DKOOYMAN (ID=43) (Nov 19, 2001 10:07:13 PM)
Thanks Jon

Ulan (ID=45) (Nov 19, 2001 10:07:13 PM)
? julia_sloan02, what country are you from?

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 10:07:19 PM)
Oscar: not visiting the campus will not affect our decision. However those who visited our campus will tell you that there are a lot of things they discover about Sloan during their visit that they did not ready in the brochure and those little things sometimes make a difference in your essays. I cannot imagine writing about the Sloan School (or another school) without having seen or felt it. As you can see, those who have visited are at an advantage only because they can write about us more persuasively.

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 10:07:56 PM)
Oscar, we have seen that our clients write more insightfully about schools after having visited them.

julia_sloan02 (ID=47) (Nov 19, 2001 10:08:01 PM)
sloan1: I am not in the VC field, but I know we have a huge VC conference coming up soon. There is also a lot of exposure to the VC community via professors and alumni. For example, in my New Enterprises class, my team just pitched a business plan to a group of VCs as part of the course requirements.

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 10:08:08 PM)
Mike24—We focus on the essays more than the AWA and do look at gmat verbal

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 10:08:33 PM)
Yie Jia: You raise a good point. Sloan has been traditionally a small school and our alumni base is not only young but also small. However, we have grown without the last 10 years and our alumni base is now up to 16,000 graduates.

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 10:09:01 PM)
smhk—we get them often, the CEO of nokia is here next week, don't know about jack:)

Mike24 (ID=39) (Nov 19, 2001 10:09:13 PM)
Thanks Jon!

Paul_Bodine (ID=25) (Nov 19, 2001 10:09:33 PM)
If you had to identify one characteristic that most rejected applications had in common what would it be?

oscar (ID=12) (Nov 19, 2001 10:09:34 PM)
Thanks Rod!

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 10:09:43 PM)
MJ, you want to sound valuable and confident; that's not arrogant.

yie jia (ID=33) (Nov 19, 2001 10:09:48 PM)
I certainly agree, sometime I found smaller group actually brings people even closer most of the time.

DKOOYMAN (ID=43) (Nov 19, 2001 10:09:55 PM)
?Can you give us a sense of GMAT Q & V percentages that become concerns for Adcoms?

DKOOYMAN (ID=43) (Nov 19, 2001 10:10:16 PM)
that's sense

MJ (ID=30) (Nov 19, 2001 10:10:33 PM)
Thank you, Linda.

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 10:10:48 PM)
sloan1—I would add the entrepreneurship center with Ken Morse and the UNBELIEVABLE number of people here involved in that community.

oscar (ID=12) (Nov 19, 2001 10:10:53 PM)
Thanks Linda!

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 10:10:56 PM)
Also MJ, you want to demonstrate fit between you and Sloan.

julia_sloan02 (ID=47) (Nov 19, 2001 10:11:24 PM)
MJ: The art of a good cover letter is to give us the evidence of your successes without sounding arrogant. Let us draw the conclusions that you are a great leader, etc, etc. ... But don't be too modest in your accomplishments...

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 10:11:44 PM)
Danomite: what schools do we compete? The same schools you are applying. Why? Applicants simply want the best. In a way, our job is no different from what you are doing: while you are looking to get into the best school, we are looking for the best students.

sloan1 (ID=32) (Nov 19, 2001 10:12:07 PM)
Can someone talk about the thesis option? I am thinking about doing a research project in cross boarder VC/private equity between the U.S. and Asia. Which prof. can I talk to, If you know off bat?

DANOMITE (ID=35) (Nov 19, 2001 10:12:10 PM)
Fair enough, Rod.

MJ (ID=30) (Nov 19, 2001 10:12:24 PM)
Thank you, Julia.

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 10:12:24 PM)
DKooyman — well, I'm not sure about hard and fast numbers, but we do expect academic excellence, and the gmat should reflect that. If for some reason it doesn't we would expect the rest of the application to shoulder that burden. It is, after all, only one indicator.

Mike24 (ID=39) (Nov 19, 2001 10:12:49 PM)
When evaluating applications do you use some kind of a balanced score card that rates each aspect of the application (like GPA, GMAT, Experience etc.) and then add it all up?

AV (ID=38) (Nov 19, 2001 10:13:20 PM)
Elizabeth/Julia - Appreciate any info on the global e-lab course. Also how easy/difficult is it to take a course in another field such as biotech.?

julia_sloan02 (ID=47) (Nov 19, 2001 10:13:26 PM)
Sloan1: Not sure about the profs,... may be Neal Hartman, he is an expert on China. Just as an FYI, about 10% of the students do a thesis

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 10:13:51 PM)
Mike 24—exactly, but it is not a scorecard per se, more a conclusion/feeling from the whole picture.

DKOOYMAN (ID=43) (Nov 19, 2001 10:14:10 PM)
Jon - Agreed. I have heard/read rumors about above 80% in both checks off the GMAT part of the evaluation. Just curious

smhk (ID=16) (Nov 19, 2001 10:14:40 PM)
?Are applications from non traditional backgrounds (e.g. creative) common? Are they welcome or are they at a disadvantage?

ElizabethSloan (ID=31) (Nov 19, 2001 10:15:02 PM)
I am in the g-lab class right now - it was competitive bidding for the course and there are projects in S. America, Europe, Australia and Hong Kong

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 10:14:25 PM)
smhk: all candidates are most welcome to apply, even the nontraditional ones. We hope to see your application of course.

sloan1 (ID=32) (Nov 19, 2001 10:14:29 PM)
Thanks, Julia.

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 10:15:38 PM)
Did I miss any questions asked previously?

Mike24 (ID=39) (Nov 19, 2001 10:15:54 PM)
Jon, thanks. As a follow-up would it then mean that someone who is good (average by your standards) in most areas has better chances than someone who is outstanding in some areas and not so great in others?

DKOOYMAN (ID=43) (Nov 19, 2001 10:15:59 PM)
?If there is a lot of demand for a class students are bidding on, are the classes ever enlarged or are you out of luck with a low bid?

DANOMITE (ID=35) (Nov 19, 2001 10:16:15 PM)
? What are the most popular tracks at Sloan? Are there published percentages?

julia_sloan02 (ID=47) (Nov 19, 2001 10:16:18 PM)
AV: you can cross register with greater MIT, HBS, Harvard law, etc... if you can fit it into your schedule, you can take biotech classes

Ulan (ID=45) (Nov 19, 2001 10:16:23 PM)
? Rod, do the students of IT and BT track work closely with other hi-tech departments?

AV (ID=38) (Nov 19, 2001 10:17:15 PM)
Thanks Elizabeth. How do you like the course - g-lab? Do all the members of the team get an opportunity to travel? To what extent does the Sloan/MIT team influence the company's strategy?

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 10:17:16 PM)
Mike24 — Hate to be vague, but it depends on too many factors to give you a flat answer

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 10:17:26 PM)
Ulan: can you be more specific?

ElizabethSloan (ID=31) (Nov 19, 2001 10:17:33 PM)
DKooyMAN, It depends on the professors and the class room (some just don't have any more seats). Often you can bid to be on the waitlist. I have always be able to join the classes I wanted

DKOOYMAN (ID=43) (Nov 19, 2001 10:17:44 PM)
Thanks E

AV (ID=38) (Nov 19, 2001 10:17:52 PM)
Julia, Thanks for the info.

smhk (ID=16) (Nov 19, 2001 10:17:57 PM)
?At the risk of sounding uninformed - what does 'bidding' for a class comprise? Are there instances where you cannot take classes you want?

MJ (ID=30) (Nov 19, 2001 10:18:02 PM)
? If I were to mention a desire to pursue the Self-Managed Track and justify it — but NOT to the satisfaction of the evaluator, would that be grounds for denial of admission? In other words, would you say, "This person should actually just stay in track X."

oscar (ID=12) (Nov 19, 2001 10:18:03 PM)
? Should the application be perfectly written? Would a few typos or grammatical errors mean an automatic ding? What about for non-native English speakers?

cindy tokumitsu (ID=34) (Nov 19, 2001 10:18:06 PM)
Good night all, and good luck to the applicants!

DKOOYMAN (ID=43) (Nov 19, 2001 10:18:19 PM)
Thanks Cindy

sloan1 (ID=32) (Nov 19, 2001 10:18:36 PM)
What Sloan graduate are known for, through the eyes of alum, recruiters?

julia_sloan02 (ID=47) (Nov 19, 2001 10:18:41 PM)
DKOOYMAN: it is difficult to enlarge the classes, because high demand is usually content of the class coupled with the professor teaching it. You can't clone the profs, so... But if you really want a class and don' t get into it, you'll be able to take it another semester.

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 10:18:44 PM)
Oscar: Yes!

ElizabethSloan (ID=31) (Nov 19, 2001 10:18:56 PM)
AV - All members of the team travel for approximately three weeks in January. The companies are very excited for the ideas we bring and we often have a big impact on these int'l startups

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 10:20:01 PM)
MJ—I am not trying to be sarcastic here, but you really do have to justify it to the satisfaction of the evaluator, they are all we have. I will say that we do not admit to tracks, we take the applicants we feel are the best and let them choose (or create) what they want.

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 10:20:01 PM)
Sloan1: they're smart, analytical, self-reliant and very nice people.

DKOOYMAN (ID=43) (Nov 19, 2001 10:20:20 PM)
? How much does the industry I work for go towards the diversity factor?

MJ (ID=30) (Nov 19, 2001 10:20:55 PM)
Thank you, Jon.

Ulan (ID=45) (Nov 19, 2001 10:21:11 PM)
?Rod, I mean whether Sloan students co-operate with students from other departments making joint projects, e.g. IT students with Engineering?

julia_sloan02 (ID=47) (Nov 19, 2001 10:21:31 PM)
smhk: You have a 1000 points to bid for classes after 1st semester. It's mostly a tool to gauge interest vs. supply. 90% plus percent of the time, you get to take the classes you want. If there is overwhelming interest one semester and some folks don't get in, then additional sections will be added the following semester

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 10:21:36 PM)
DKooyman—diversity is what we end up with, it's not what we look for. Our committee set up ensures that a diversity of strong opinions are represented

Mike24 (ID=54) (Nov 19, 2001 10:21:46 PM)
Another question related to diversity factor, do applicants with similar industry background compete with each other for a fixed number of places?

AV (ID=38) (Nov 19, 2001 10:21:59 PM)
Thanks a lot Elizabeth.

DANOMITE (ID=35) (Nov 19, 2001 10:22:13 PM)
? What are the most popular tracks at Sloan? Are there published percentages?

DKOOYMAN (ID=43) (Nov 19, 2001 10:22:14 PM)
Thanks Jon

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 10:22:29 PM)
Ulan: many of the Sloan electives are open to non Sloan students (rest of MIT & Harvard), so you will get a chance to interact with students from other departments (high tech or not).

smhk (ID=16) (Nov 19, 2001 10:22:53 PM)
Thanks Julia .

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 10:24:13 PM)
Mike24: the short answer is no. In fact it is not uncommon for us to receive applications from the same company in the same city. These candidates do not compete against each other but rather compete against the larger pool of applicants. There was a time when we admitted five candidates from the same office.

julia_sloan02 (ID=47) (Nov 19, 2001 10:24:25 PM)
DANOMITE: about the tracks. FINANCE, SMAC and NPVD are popular. There are lots of self managed people too. The track concept is flexible and is not something that ever becomes an obstacle. Usually it's a tool to signal your interest to employers and get priority in bidding for pro-seminars... hope this answers your question. don't have numbers off hand

DKOOYMAN (ID=43) (Nov 19, 2001 10:24:35 PM)
?With all the major changes in Deans and Faculty going on this year at other schools. Can we expect any significant changes from Sloan?

Margareth (ID=15) (Nov 19, 2001 10:24:36 PM)
? I am curious (and interested!): has any of the conditions of the CitiAssist loans changed since September, that any of you know of?

DANOMITE (ID=35) (Nov 19, 2001 10:24:45 PM)
Thanks Julia.

Mike24 (ID=54) (Nov 19, 2001 10:24:52 PM)
Rod: That makes perfect sense. Thanks!

Ulan (ID=45) (Nov 19, 2001 10:25:55 PM)
? Did you dismiss any students and if yes what for?

julia_sloan02 (ID=47) (Nov 19, 2001 10:26:06 PM)
Margaret: All students are eligible for Citiassist. 110K max for international and 150K for US citizens

DANOMITE (ID=35) (Nov 19, 2001 10:26:11 PM)
? What industries do most Sloan students come from? Consulting and banking?

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 10:26:28 PM)
dkooyman: we don't anticipate any changes in faculty and administration. People here at Sloan (and MIT) do stay and do not leave. The woman I replaced worked for Sloan for 50 years before she retired (and I've been here for 13 lucky years).

yie jia (ID=33) (Nov 19, 2001 10:26:44 PM)
? By looking at the recruiter list on the catalog, I realize that there are a lot of big names in finance sector, most of the hi-tech companies are also giants like Intel etc. It is great but are Sloan graduates interested in star-ups, smaller but more dynamic working environments?

DKOOYMAN (ID=43) (Nov 19, 2001 10:27:03 PM)
Rod: Wow that is impressive

Mike24 (ID=54) (Nov 19, 2001 10:27:23 PM)
If someone applying for this year has a GMAT score 10 points below last year's median score, would you advise him to retake the GMAT or should he focus on perfecting other parts of the application?

candidate02 (ID=28) (Nov 19, 2001 10:27:45 PM)
??Julia, do you have to demonstrate financial need to be eligible for Citiassist? Thanks.

julia_sloan02 (ID=47) (Nov 19, 2001 10:28:34 PM)
DANOMITE: we do get lots of consultants and bankers, but there are also lots of diverse backgrounds here: teachers, musicians, politicians, etc. For example, I worked in HR as A SR Compensation Analyst prior to Sloan. I don't think there is anyone in my class with the same background ;-)

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 10:28:44 PM)
yie jia — Absolutely. A good number of people are here to get the skills for their own companies and a lot of the people we send to consulting actually go on to start/lead smaller ventures after that big picture exposure.

MJ (ID=30) (Nov 19, 2001 10:29:03 PM)
? Is there a disadvantage to discussing one's ethnicity or religiosity?

julia_sloan02 (ID=47) (Nov 19, 2001 10:29:10 PM)
CANDIDATE02: no, you do not have to demonstrate fin need

howardL (ID=42) (Nov 19, 2001 10:29:29 PM)
?Hi, Rod, Are all accepted students interviewed?

ElizabethSloan (ID=31) (Nov 19, 2001 10:29:29 PM)
yie jia, there are many graduates in smaller start-ups or that have gone on to start their own companies — the CDO provides access to these people through our alumni database

smhk (ID=16) (Nov 19, 2001 10:29:38 PM)
?What are the chances for financial aid for intl. students? Any reasonable size scholarships?

julia_sloan02 (ID=47) (Nov 19, 2001 10:30:18 PM)
Mike24: GMAT is just ONE data point. I wouldn't retake it over a 10 point difference. Spend that time on working on your essays!!!

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 10:30:24 PM)
Ulan: I cannot recall when we dismiss a student at Sloan. In 1992 we suspended a couple of students for cheating but they returned and graduated.

yie jia (ID=33) (Nov 19, 2001 10:30:30 PM)
This sounds great especially for the people who want to start their own business and are hungry for seed fund, Jon

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 10:30:34 PM)
Mj—No, there is no disadvantage to discussing such things and indeed, we want to know who you are and what's important to you.

Mike24 (ID=54) (Nov 19, 2001 10:30:40 PM)
Thank you, Julia!

MJ (ID=30) (Nov 19, 2001 10:30:49 PM)
Thank you, Jon.

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 10:31:04 PM)
Linda: Why don't we answer some outstanding questions and wind down in a few minutes.

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 10:31:30 PM)
OK. Let's let our guests respond to outstanding questions and 3 final ones.

AV (ID=38) (Nov 19, 2001 10:31:41 PM)
Rod/Jon - I was involved in two start ups. Would it hurt my chances if I still want to pursue NPVD track?

yie jia (ID=33) (Nov 19, 2001 10:31:44 PM)
I see Eliz

julia_sloan02 (ID=47) (Nov 19, 2001 10:31:53 PM)
Howardl: everyone in my class was interviewed

DKOOYMAN (ID=43) (Nov 19, 2001 10:31:58 PM)
?Can you describe the OP team Project

howardL (ID=42) (Nov 19, 2001 10:32:04 PM)
Thanks Julia

DKOOYMAN (ID=43) (Nov 19, 2001 10:32:12 PM)
Organizational Processes

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 10:32:36 PM)
AV—Not at all, it makes prima facie sense to me.

DKOOYMAN (ID=43) (Nov 19, 2001 10:32:46 PM)
?Do students select a firm or is one assigned to them?

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 10:33:09 PM)
smhk: both domestic and international students can apply for limited number of fellowships at Sloan. And both students can apply for the CitiAssist loan.

AV (ID=38) (Nov 19, 2001 10:33:25 PM)
Jon, Thanks a lot.

Ulan (ID=45) (Nov 19, 2001 10:33:33 PM)
? Tech question, why if I download forms from online application, some letters, even words are missing?

julia_sloan02 (ID=47) (Nov 19, 2001 10:33:36 PM)
DKOOYMAN: I am an OP TA. A simple overview of the team project is to do a cultural, political and strategic analysis of a company of your choice.

smhk (ID=16) (Nov 19, 2001 10:33:42 PM)
Thanks Rod. You all have been very patient!

MJ (ID=30) (Nov 19, 2001 10:33:53 PM)
? I have extensive experience in the non-profit sector. Is this a disadvantage? Thank you in advance.

Flavia (ID=18) (Nov 19, 2001 10:34:18 PM)
?As a international student, I am good at reading and so-so at oral English and writing. Does it hurt?

DKOOYMAN (ID=43) (Nov 19, 2001 10:34:24 PM)
Julia: ?Do you actually go out an work with a company or just analyze them?

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 10:34:26 PM)
Thank you again all for participating this evening. Special thanks to Rod, Jon, Elizabeth, and Julia for joining us this evening and to Paul Bodine and Cindy Tokumitsu for their assistance.

Rod Garcia (ID=20) (Nov 19, 2001 10:34:26 PM)
Ulan: Send me an e-mail (rgarcia@mit.edu) and I will send you the forms via email.

yie jia (ID=33) (Nov 19, 2001 10:34:33 PM)
Thank you all for answering the question

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 10:34:40 PM)
We look forward to seeing you at future chats:

DKOOYMAN (ID=43) (Nov 19, 2001 10:34:47 PM)
Yes. My Thanks to all

Jon McLaughlin (ID=5) (Nov 19, 2001 10:34:47 PM)
MJ—it can be a real advantage as evidence of a committed focus, just make sure you understand what we offer (and don't) in that area, and how we can help you.

Margareth (ID=15) (Nov 19, 2001 10:34:50 PM)
Thanks, Julia!

ElizabethSloan (ID=31) (Nov 19, 2001 10:34:50 PM)
Thanks for having us

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 10:34:51 PM)
Nov. 26 UCLA; December 5 NYU; December 10 Consortium; December 18 Tuck; January 16 Darden; January 22 UT Austin.

DKOOYMAN (ID=43) (Nov 19, 2001 10:34:51 PM)
too

Paul_Bodine (ID=25) (Nov 19, 2001 10:34:52 PM)
Thank you Sloan!

markc96 (ID=22) (Nov 19, 2001 10:34:57 PM)
Thanks Rod, Linda et al...

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 10:35:02 PM)
Finally, I would also really appreciate feedback from all of you on tonight's chat. Please send your comments, criticisms, and suggestions for future chats to chatfeedback@accepted.com.

julia_sloan02 (ID=47) (Nov 19, 2001 10:35:03 PM)
DKOOYMAN: you do interviews with the companies

Mike24 (ID=54) (Nov 19, 2001 10:35:03 PM)
Thanks to everyone for answering my questions. This was all very helpful.

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 10:35:09 PM)
You're all most welcome.

MJ (ID=30) (Nov 19, 2001 10:35:12 PM)
Thank you, everyone!

howardL (ID=42) (Nov 19, 2001 10:35:12 PM)
Thanks. Sloan.

DANOMITE (ID=35) (Nov 19, 2001 10:35:12 PM)
Thanks to all! Back to essay writing...

Ulan (ID=45) (Nov 19, 2001 10:35:15 PM)
Rod, thank you for your answers.

Linda Abraham (ID=27) (Nov 19, 2001 10:35:20 PM)
Have a very good evening! Good luck with your applications!